As July, National Ice Cream Month, draws to a close, I’m celebrating with a truly exceptional caramel and blueberry ice cream, featuring a unique secret ingredient that elevates its flavor profile. This summer has been a journey of culinary exploration, and I’m excited to share a collection of remarkable products I’ve had the pleasure of discovering. From gourmet plant-based burgers to artisanal pasta, delightful guilt-free chocolates, and innovative kitchen tools, these brands have truly stood out. Join me as I delve into these fantastic finds, offering inspiration for delicious meals and indulgent treats in the months ahead.
Discovering Culinary Excellence: Summer Product Highlights
NoBull Burger: The Art of Plant-Based Perfection
My recent discovery of NoBull burgers has been nothing short of a revelation. These are not just any veggie burgers; they are exquisitely handcrafted, 100% plant-based patties, meticulously made with organic, high-quality ingredients. What truly sets them apart is the evident passion and love for our planet infused into every bite, making them a conscious and delicious choice for any meal.
NoBull Burger’s inspiring story began with Chef Crissanne Raymond. Driven by a desire to provide wholesome and delicious meals for her young daughters, she started crafting these exceptional veggie burgers. Their incredible taste quickly captivated her family and friends, and word of her extraordinary meatless patties spread like wildfire throughout Charlottesville, VA. From these humble beginnings, NoBull Burger blossomed, becoming the beloved brand it is today.
Today, Chef Raymond’s vegan burger patties are readily available nationwide, gracing the shelves of various retailers including Whole Foods Market. They come in five distinct and equally delicious gluten-free varieties: Original, Savory Mushroom, Sundried Tomato, Spicy Italian, and Madras Curry. What I appreciate most about NoBull is its philosophy: these burgers are not designed to imitate meat, but rather to stand on their own as true, whole-food, real food veggie burgers. This commitment to authentic, natural ingredients is truly commendable.
For my own culinary creation, I chose the NoBull Burger Savory Mushroom patty, a delightful blend of organic green lentils, brown rice, quinoa, chia seeds, white and shiitake mushrooms, and spinach. To construct my ultimate veggie burger, I began by generously spreading homemade pesto on the inside of a freshly baked bun. I then layered it high with an abundance of my favorite toppings: crisp red onion, ripe tomato slices, refreshing cucumber, vibrant sunflower microgreens, and nutrient-rich red Swiss chard. Instead of traditional cheese, I opted for a unique, versatile creamy mix made from sour cream, finely chopped sunflower microgreens and lovage, a touch of ketchup, and seasoned with salt and pepper. The aromatic notes of basil from the pesto and the fresh lovage in the creamy topping beautifully enhanced the umami richness of the mushrooms in the patty. Furthermore, the satisfying crunch of the various greens added a wonderful texture, contributing to the overall freshness and deliciousness of this outstanding plant-based burger. It was a symphony of flavors and textures, proving that wholesome ingredients can create truly gourmet experiences.
Gemma Foods: Effortless Gourmet Pasta Delivered
As a busy parent, some days leave me utterly exhausted, and finding inspiration to cook can be a real challenge. On such days, I am immensely grateful for the convenience and quality offered by local delivery services and small businesses like Gemma Foods, who graciously sent me a selection of their pasta meals to experience.
Gemma Foods emerged during the early days of the pandemic, born from the vision of Chicago-based Chef Tony Quartaro. His goal was to bring exceptional, delicious pasta to Chicagoland and beyond, a mission that quickly found success within his neighborhood and paved the way for expansion. Today, Gemma Foods delivers hand-crafted pasta and delectable sauces, utilizing both locally grown produce and authentic Italian imports, such as prized San Marzano DOP tomatoes. Their commitment extends to convenience and sustainability, offering deliciousness in 100% recyclable packaging. As Chef Quartaro eloquently stated in a recent Eater Chicago interview, “We’ve done all the work. All you have to do is boil the water.” This promise of gourmet simplicity truly delivers.
True to their word, the cooking instructions on the Gemma Foods website were incredibly clear and straightforward. The two pasta dishes I tried – Canestri with Vodka Sauce and Paccheri with Sunday Gravy – were ready in mere minutes. Having savored both, I must confess a particular fondness for the vodka sauce. The harmonious combination of sweet onions, rich heavy cream, luxurious mascarpone, and a hint of vodka creates a tantalizing delight. Its comforting creaminess and complex, multifaceted flavor profile are simply phenomenal, leaving me wishing I knew the exact secret to such an exceptional sauce.
Meanwhile, the Sunday Gravy offers a robust and vibrant blend of pork, beef, and chicken stock, enriched with white wine. This hearty sauce is undoubtedly a fulfilling choice for meat lovers seeking a deep, satisfying umami flavor.
Both sauces proved to be perfect companions to their respective pastas. The Canestri and Paccheri varieties truly melt in your mouth, offering morsels of pillowy deliciousness that highlight the artisanal quality of Gemma Foods’ offerings. It’s a convenient and gourmet solution for busy evenings, without sacrificing taste or quality.
RED Chocolate: Guilt-Free Indulgence
After savoring delicious burgers and comforting pasta, it’s always time for a sweet finale. And what could be more perfect than chocolate, the ultimate decadent sweet treat?
When RED Chocolate reached out for a collaboration, I was incredibly excited to discover that their brand values aligned perfectly with my own. RED Chocolate maintains personal relationships with cocoa bean farmers in the Ivory Coast, ensuring direct trade and supporting ethical sourcing practices – a huge positive in my book! Beyond their commitment to fair trade, their products are non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, and keto-friendly. The most remarkable feature, however, is that these chocolates contain no added refined sugar, resulting in fewer calories and reduced fat. This innovative approach truly embodies their slogan: “Pleasure, without the guilt!”
I was delighted to receive a luxurious assortment to sample, which included:
- Milk Chocolate
- Dark Chocolate
- Extra Dark Chocolate
- Hazelnut and Macadamia Milk Chocolate
- Orange and Almond Dark Chocolate
- Blonde Caramelized White Chocolate
- Milk Chocolate Pralines filled with Coconut (my absolute favorite – truly irresistible!)
Looking ahead, RED Chocolate is set to launch a new chocolate bar featuring oats in August, promising even more exciting options. In the meantime, you can explore and purchase any of these delightful varieties directly on their website. Don’t forget to use code MICHAELA10 to receive 10% off your purchase!
Cococlectic: A Journey Through Craft Dark Chocolate
Cococlectic offers a unique and delightful experience for chocolate aficionados through its craft bean-to-bar chocolate subscription service. Subscribers receive a carefully curated selection of artisan, small-batch dark chocolate bars delivered to their door each month. Their philosophy is clear: to support and showcase chocolate makers who passionately create chocolate bars using only the purest ingredients – cacao beans, sugar, and cocoa butter. Every chocolate featured by Cococlectic is guaranteed to be vegan, non-GMO, fair-trade, and ethically sourced, providing not just a treat for the taste buds but also peace of mind.
Cococlectic introduced me to an exquisite assortment of dark chocolates crafted by Monsoon Chocolate, a renowned chocolate maker based in Arizona. Their dedication to quality and craftsmanship was immediately apparent.
I decided to incorporate their Kokoa Kamili 77% dark chocolate into a baking project, specifically using one of our household’s most popular bread recipes. This particular chocolate, made from beans harvested and fermented in Tanzania’s Kilombero Valley – an area historically known for receiving some of the lowest prices for cocoa in the country – imbued my bread with a profound and sophisticated flavor and aroma. The resulting bread boasted a delightful combination of notes reminiscent of cinnamon, raisins, and cherries. It was absolutely scrumptious, transforming a simple loaf into an extraordinary gourmet experience.
I wholeheartedly recommend both of these fantastic small businesses. Cococlectic, in particular, provides a wealth of detailed information on their website, allowing you to dive deep into the world of craft chocolate. They also offer complimentary virtual chocolate tastings, an excellent way to further explore and appreciate the nuances of fine bean-to-bar chocolate.
D’vash Organics: Sustainable Sweetness from “Ugly” Produce
I recently had the pleasure of being contacted by D’vash Organics, a passionate small business dedicated to offering superfood sweeteners and energy bars crafted from “ugly” produce. Their innovative approach not only delivers delicious and wholesome products but also contributes to reducing food waste, a mission I deeply admire.
Who’s ready for some caramel and blueberry ice cream? This luscious, milky, and unbelievably smooth no-churn ice cream, piled high with an abundance of vibrant toppings, features D’vash Organics date syrup as a key ingredient. This remarkable product is crafted from 100% sustainably-sourced “ugly” dates, making it a vegan, non-GMO, and paleo-friendly option with absolutely no added sugar. The combination of these features is truly awesome, offering a natural and healthy way to sweeten your favorite treats!
For a scrumptious and wholesome snack, I highly recommend pairing sweet, thirst-quenching seasonal fruits with D’vash Organics date energy bars and “bites.” These delightful snacks are packed with minimal, responsibly sourced ingredients, making them super delicious and incredibly satisfying. They come in a variety of wholesome flavors, including date, chocolate & peanut butter, and date, chocolate, pecan & cocoa nibs, as pictured above. For an added layer of indulgence, combine them with strawberry yogurt for extra creaminess, a sprinkle of bee pollen for a delightful crunch, and a drizzle of D’vash Organics date syrup. You’ll be all set for a truly delicious and nourishing sweet treat.
Elevated Craft Hybrid Cocktail Shaker: Innovating the Home Bar
As I’ve previously shared, I recently had the fantastic opportunity to test the Elevated Craft Hybrid Cocktail Shaker while crafting a refreshing mocktail with homemade lilac syrup. My experience with this product couldn’t have been more positive; it’s a game-changer for anyone who enjoys mixing drinks at home.
According to Elevated Craft, their Hybrid Shaker is a unique cocktail shaker that transcends traditional categories. They describe it as “hybrid” because its design evolved significantly beyond a conventional 3-piece Cobbler Shaker. By incorporating features like double-wall vacuum insulation, secure threads, leak-proof gaskets, and a clever built-in measuring top, the design serves multiple functions with exceptional efficiency. This innovative combination of features makes it incredibly versatile and user-friendly, setting a new standard for home bar tools.
The Elevated Craft Cocktail Shaker was specifically engineered to meet the distinct needs of home bars. While commercial bars prioritize speed and cost, often opting for two-tin Boston Shakers, these can be challenging for home users due to potential mess, getting stuck, and a steep learning curve. The Elevated Craft Shaker, however, excels in a home environment. It’s perfect for crafting cocktails for small gatherings, offering ease of use and a mess-free experience. If you’re a professional bartender slinging drinks in a commercial setting, then traditional tins might still be your preference, but for the home enthusiast, this shaker is an unparalleled tool.
Here’s a glimpse of the beautiful lilac mocktail I recently prepared using the Elevated Craft Hybrid Cocktail Shaker. You can find all the details and the complete recipe for this refreshing summer drink right here.
Wandering Bear: The Ultimate Convenient Cold Brew
If coffee is your beverage of choice, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring Wandering Bear Extra Strong Cold Brew. I recently indulged in this amazing caffeinated delight, serving it affogato-style poured over my homemade vanilla and raspberry ice cream – a truly exquisite combination.
Wandering Bear was founded in 2014 by Matt and Ben, two visionary New Yorkers driven by a shared passion for high-quality coffee. They made history by becoming the first company to introduce boxed cold brew, revolutionizing how many enjoy their daily caffeine fix. Beyond their signature boxed cold brew, Wandering Bear also offers ground coffee, convenient single-serve cartons, and coffee pods. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their packaging, with all components, including the coffee pods, being 100% recyclable. This mindful convenience is perfectly complemented by the superb quality of Wandering Bear’s certified organic Arabica beans, which consistently deliver an “extra strong and surprisingly smooth” taste in every single sip.
I am absolutely enamored with the exceptional smoothness of this cold brew. Despite its impressive strength (a single cup is equivalent to two espresso shots), it provided a sustained energy boost without any of the jitters or discomfort I’ve experienced with other brands in the past. Once opened, the boxed cold brew remains fresh in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. While this is a generous timeframe, it proved to be a non-issue in my household, as we enthusiastically finished a 1-gallon box in significantly less time! Nevertheless, it’s reassuring to know this freshness guarantee is there for peace of mind. For more detailed information on their incredible range of products, which can be purchased as one-time orders or through a convenient subscription, I invite you to visit the Wandering Bear website. Be sure to use code CHICAGOLOVESPANINI to receive 10% off your purchase! I personally can’t wait to try their decaf cold brew next, as well as their vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut flavored options.
Fire Dept. Coffee: Fueling Heroes with Exceptional Brews
Fire Dept. Coffee is an inspiring veteran-owned business committed to providing excellent-tasting coffee to people everywhere. Their dedication to quality is matched by their unique heritage: all their coffee is freshly roasted in Rockford, IL, by a passionate team composed of firefighters, first responders, and seasoned coffee experts. This blend of expertise ensures a robust and meticulously crafted product.
The company was founded in 2016 by Luke Schneider, a retired firefighter/paramedic and U.S. Navy veteran, who partnered with fellow firefighter/paramedic Jason Patton. Fire Dept. Coffee is not just a business; it’s a mission-driven organization “run by active and retired firefighters, including our operations officer and chief coffee roaster.” Beyond serving exceptional coffee, the company is deeply committed to giving back, supporting those who have sustained physical or mental injuries in the line of duty, or who are facing other serious health challenges. This commitment to community and service truly sets them apart.
Fire Dept. Coffee generously sent me two of their distinctive products to try: their invigorating Skull-Crushing Espresso and their signature spirit-infused Vanilla Bean Bourbon-Infused Coffee.
I thoroughly enjoyed both coffees, each serving a distinct purpose in my daily routine. The Skull-Crushing Espresso delivered the perfect robust dose of caffeine, effectively keeping me energized and focused throughout busy days. In contrast, the Vanilla Bean Bourbon-Infused Coffee offered a wonderfully mellow and aromatic experience, feeling like a truly special treat at the end of a bustling afternoon. I highly recommend both products for their unique qualities and exceptional taste, and I eagerly anticipate exploring more of Fire Dept. Coffee’s diverse varieties in the future.
Your Next Culinary Adventure Awaits!
From wholesome plant-based burgers and convenient gourmet pasta to guilt-free chocolates, sustainable date syrups, innovative cocktail shakers, and exceptional coffees, this summer has been filled with exciting culinary discoveries. Each of these brands offers unique value and a commitment to quality that truly stands out. Which of these incredible products are you most excited to try first? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
*Disclaimer: While I received complimentary products to facilitate this review, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.